2014 Chevrolet Volt Hatchback

Benefits of Driving a 2014 Chevrolet Volt Hatchback

The Chevy Volt is the first mass-produced, purpose-built, 'extended-range electric' vehicle from a major manufacturer. The Volt is an electric car, so its batteries can be charged when it is plugged into an outlet, but the Volt also carries a small gasoline-powered engine on board to charge the batteries, should a longer range be required.

What's new for 2014?

After several notable mechanical upgrades in 2013, the Volt remains unchanged for 2014 save one very noticeable feature

Model Strengths

The latest in plug-in hybrid technology provides extreme fuel economy with few compromises in performance or features.

Model Review

The Chevy Volt is what GM calls a 'extended-range electric' vehicle. It carries a bank of lithium-ion batteries underneath as its primary fuel source. The batteries can be charged by plugging them in overnight, and can power the vehicle to a range of around 38 miles. Should the driver require a longer range, an on-board 1.4L 4-cylinder gasoline-powered engine automatically starts up to generate additional energy. A regenerative braking system provides additional charging whenever the vehicle slows. Overall, the Volt's miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is estimated at 98.

2014 Chevrolet Volt Hatchback

2014 Chevrolet Volt Hatchback

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.